Malta runs for over 400 yards against Panthers

After allowing a 64-yard rushing touchdown on Roundup’s first offensive play of the game, Malta’s defense only allowed 53 yards for the remainder of the game.

Malta’s offense remained steady scoring a total of 58 points while holding Roundup to 14. Malta’s offense was led by sophomore Rex Williamson, who had 151 yards and three touchdowns on the grounds and Malta’s lone reception for a 10-yard touchdown.

“I just had great blockers and they wouldn’t stop, they just kept going,” Williamson said. “They just kept pushing through.”

Williamson wore number 32, a number that has been worn by his older brothers Jarrod and Allen.

“It’s just a tradition because my family has worn it,” Rex Williamson said.

Williamson shared what it meant to defeat Roundup, who defeated Malta 56-32 last season.

“It feels good after last year how they demolished us,” Williamson said. “It was good to come back and get them on the first one.”

Senior Tanner Smith had eight runs for 86 yards and two touchdowns.

“It feels really good,” Smith said. “There were great blocks upfront and our lineman did their jobs. Everyone did their job and we were firing on all cylinders.”

Smith shared what it meant to have a familiar face in Nick Oxarart back as head coach.

“It’s good; I like him,” Smith said. “He came back and we ran our same offense and didn’t change up anything. That would’ve been three new offenses in my high school career. That would have been crazy.”

Sophomore Cash Salsbery had 14 carries for 93 yards and one touchdown. Freshman Camryn Mears had ten carries for 69 yards and one touchdown.

Junior Beau Simonson spoke about his team’s defense that recovered five fumbles.

“We just kept drinking water, didn’t overrun their backfield, and read the plays pretty well,” Simonson said.

After letting Roundup’s MaKale Kimble break free on his 64-yard touchdown, Malta’s defense was stifling, forcing five punts and the aforementioned five fumbles.

“We knew that our defense would take care of it, we just needed to get our heads in the game,” Simonson said.

The Mustangs will look to defend Mustang Field against the Conrad Cowboys this Friday. The 1-1 Cowboys won their opener 34-28 over Deer Lodge on Friday, August 30. Conrad most recently lost 48-6 to Glasgow on Friday, September 6.

“Conrad will run a 3-5 defensive front that will present a little different look than we saw against Roundup,” Coach Oxarart said. “Their defensive line is really solid and their linebackers are active in their blitzing scheme and will present some challenges for us.”

Offensively Conrad cannot be underestimated, boasting a solid running game.

“They have a dangerous running back that we will have to contain in order to have success against them,” Coach Oxarart said. “They run quite a few different formations that our defense will have to be ready for. Each guy on our defense will have to stay disciplined and know their assignment.”

Scoring Summary:

1st Quarter:

-Cash Salsbery 4 yard run (Tanner Smith pass from Kooper Oxarart) 10:23 8-0

-MaKale Kembel 64 yard run (Tanner Rae run) 10:04 8-8

-Rex Williamson 5 yard run (Salsbery run) 4:59 16-8

-Williamson 10 yard pass from Oxarart (Salsbery run) 0:55 24-8

2nd Quarter:

-Wiliamson 38 yard run (Smith run) 10:20 32-8

-Smith 5 yard run (run failed) 6:30 38-8

-Williamson 25 yard run (run failed) 6:09 44-8

-Cody Cronmiller 13 yard run (run failed) 44-14

3rd Quarter:

-Smith 62 yard run (Smith run) 10:11 52-14

-Camryn Mears 37 yard run (run failed) 0:00 58-14